Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 534 15 Mar 2023
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Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 5h). Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) issue. Rome mint. Struck 14 September-31 December AD 88. Laureate head right / Domitian standing right, extending right hand, dictating prayer to three matrons, veiled, kneeling left, holding out hands in prayer; in background, tetrastyle Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. RIC II.1 610. In ANACS encapsulation 6097703, graded Good 4, Corroded.
Honoring the original system for the celebration of the games, Domitian held the Ludi Saeculares in October AD 88, coming close to the traditional 110-year standard. The reverses of the gold and silver issues typically employ a herald of the games, while the bronze issues convey the various events which occurred before and during the celebration. The legend LVDi SAECulares FECit is used throughout, and conveys the emperor as bringing the celebration of the games to the city.
The reverse type employed on some of these issues is alluded to by a passage in Suetonius in which heralds are described as going around the city, inviting people to a spectacle which " ... [they] had never seen and would not see again." He also states the fallacy of this event however, since the games had just been held 40 years earlier during the reign of Claudius in a break from past celebrations.
Honoring the original system for the celebration of the games, Domitian held the Ludi Saeculares in October AD 88, coming close to the traditional 110-year standard. The reverses of the gold and silver issues typically employ a herald of the games, while the bronze issues convey the various events which occurred before and during the celebration. The legend LVDi SAECulares FECit is used throughout, and conveys the emperor as bringing the celebration of the games to the city.
The reverse type employed on some of these issues is alluded to by a passage in Suetonius in which heralds are described as going around the city, inviting people to a spectacle which " ... [they] had never seen and would not see again." He also states the fallacy of this event however, since the games had just been held 40 years earlier during the reign of Claudius in a break from past celebrations.